Continuing our round-up of the Christmas period, it’s time to treat our members to a series of articles which examines each of the positions and analyses the form of the key protagonists over the past four Gameweeks. We start in defence, by casting an eye over the top tens for our ICT Index, plus a more in-depth look at the main performers in terms of goal threat and creativity….
I'd say Ivanovic. Only one out of the four who has a decent chance of scoring and if he does you're golden.
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hi.. new to this site.. please justify your choice of ivanovic.. luiz is playing in midfield these days right? don't you think he will have better chances to attack with share of set pieces?
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Remind me again when Fellaini's price can start shooting up again?
If I grab him before the deadline I'll have a front 8 of Walcott, Cazorla, Bale, Puncheon, Fellaini, Ba, RVP and Lambert... which might mean benching Caz???
This DGW has really thrown me for a loopOpen Controls
Bale doesn't seem to be getting as much air time as I think he deserves. If it wasn't for the DDGW he would be first on the team sheet for qpr, UTD.
Esp QPR. Did he not get a goal and 2 x assists last night?Open Controls
Yep, I expect a decent haul from Gareth this week. Not so sure about MUN - Bale seems to save his big scores for the away games!
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The DGW (and Fellaini's suspension) is taking plenty of attention away from those 2. People seem to have forgotten Fellaini was a bargain and branded as a "must have" before his headbutt/elbow combo. He is back now and has SWA sou WBA AVL mun nor RDG
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100k transfers in for Fellaini this week alone says you're wrong.
Open ControlsI'm talking about on here. Plenty are saying he is the one to rid of in the "Powers Five" and those who aren't WC'ing on here generally dont have him and aren't getting him yet.
Open ControlsThat's why it's worth taking what's said on here with a pinch of salt. You even referred to the 'power five' as if it's something substantial when it's really just a fanciful idea. Many things can happen between now and the end of the month to derail plans and bring new strategies to the fore.
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Having been deciding between Ba & Berba in my WC for what seems like ages (less than a day), I think I’m now leaving them both out in favour of Lambert and Benteke.
Ba – inevitable rotation, at least to start with. I see him starting against sto, but then Torres being given the juicy SOT tie.
Berba – after GW24 his fixtures get very tough, and I need to use my transfers to ship out excess DGWers. Benteke has better medium term fixtures, is cheaper and offers more threat.
Thoughts on how to improve this lot?
TURNBULL, (SZCZESNY)
LUIZ, Baines, Martin, (DEMEL), (Wilson)
MATA, WALCOTT, Bale, Fellaini, (NOBLE)
Rvp, LAMBERT, Benteke
Bank 0.2mOpen Controls
thoughts on how to improve it:
szczesny to bego
baines to gibbs
benteke to ba/berbaOpen ControlsCheers. My thinking on your points.
Begovic is having a great season, but he is now very overpriced. Unless you've had him from the beginning I see no point in getting him when the likes of Cameron & Wilson offer a much cheaper route into the STO defence.
Baines - 4 absolute plum fixtures in a row. A defender on all set pieces and now with Fellaini back he has another good target to aim for. Expecting big scores over the next 4, after which I downgrade to get Suarez back.
B vs B vs B - this is close. Ba could score massive this week, but he may only play away at STO, who rarely get hammered at home. At least with the other 2 you have guaranteed starters on pens. Benteke edging it for me due to price, better fixtures and, according to the stats, having more goal threat.Open Controlstrue. i thought u had bego and were dumping him now
fair enough, could be a good punt that most will miss
not sure i'd go with benteke of those 3 but you seem convinced so you might as well go with it
besides those 3 things I think you're good and if you aren't concerned about them then leave as isOpen Controls
Guys.. Would you consider making Luiz captain being too much of a crazy punt for the DGW?
Open Controlswho to captain this week?
bale, mata, ba or lambert?Open ControlsI think it has to be Mata. Tempted by Luiz also.
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Was on Mata myself but seriously tempted by Ba.
Hoping Mata gets a rest midweek, but frankly not confident with itOpen ControlsGotta be Mata.
By the way, you told me not to captain Suarez last week. I was spewing when I saw he got 260 assists ! 😉Open Controls:D.
next is answering this question;
which combo will score more in the listed fixtures? trust me it all balances out
A) suarez (mun, NOR) + Marveaux (nor, RDG) + luiz/ivan (sto SOT, ARS)
B) ba (sto SOT) + lambert (EVE) + mata (ARS) + walcott (MCI) + nasty/cueller/o’brien (ars/WHU/sun, FUL/wig/QPR ars)Open Controls
RMWCT Please!
Jussi (Beg)
Luiz, Rafael, Cueller (Gibbs, Bassong)
Punch, Mata (c), Santi, Walcott (Noble)
Ba, Lambert, V. Persie
Many thanks!Open Controls
I'll rate your gravatar. 2/10
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WC Attempt #1:
Bego, TURNBULL
AZPIL, Cuellar, Davies, R Martin, DEMEL
MATA, WALCOTT, Bale, Fellaini, RAMIREZ/PUNCH
Rvp, Berba, LAMBERT
2.9/3.6 banked
Any flaws in here? Only worry is dropping Michu..
Can swap Lambert+Azpil > Wilson+11.4 STR after.Open ControlsYour view on Berba is ridiculous...Benteke is miles ahead of him as an out and out striker and as an attacking threat these days.
Open ControlsI disagree. With Ruiz in the lineup, Berbatov is GOLDEN! Just wait for his brace this weekend. Buggumark this 😉
Open ControlsYou're missing the point though. You just laughed at a guy for suggesting Benteke rivals Berbatov for goal threat. When in fact it's blatantly true that Benteke is as good if not a better option than Berbatov. And to say because he plays for Villa is a disadvantage is folly as the same can be said about Berbatov. Fulham are woeful!
Open ControlsK lets not lie to ourselves. Berba is a proven goalscorer in this league, Benteke is still a kid still finding his shooting boots. I would much rather have consistency with Berba playing alongside Ruiz than wait for Villa to have a good game for Benteke to get on the scoresheet, followed by a bunch of 2pt cameos
Open ControlsThere is so much irony to this though. Berbatov went on probably the longest run of 2s for a proven striker in the history of FPL.
Open ControlsYour argument is poor as the very reason Berbatov has suffered is because his team is so pathetically bad. And he has even looked a very weak threat being a 31 yr old carrying a team of pensioners. He's had to compromise his 'super striker' role for the sake of a more responsible role imo.
I'm not downplaying Berbatov's strengths but rather disagreeing with your dismissive attitude to a viable option like Benteke. If you look at the stats Benteke has been very threatening and has delivered some explosive scores for a third striker option.Open ControlsI dont care about the past. In current form WITH ruiz in the team, Berba over Benteke all day long for me.
Open ControlsBut you're not providing a hugely detailed argument other than Ruiz is back. Try give some constructive criticism instead of saying stuff like 'there is no way on planet earth that Benteke is better than Berbatov' You just sound silly and biased.
Open ControlsAll im saying is when Ruiz is playing, Berba is a better choice, its a completely valid argument. The same can be said about Chelsea when they lost vs. QPR. Without Mata, they had little creativity in the midfield.
One player can make a huge difference; Michu, Mata, Ruiz, Suarez etc..Open Controls
I think it's a very close call between the two. I'm still undecided - How would you raise the 0.3m needed to switch Benteke -> Berba here? Luiz -> Azp is the obvious one I guess.
TURNBULL, (SZCZESNY)
LUIZ, Baines, Martin, (DEMEL), (Wilson)
MATA, WALCOTT, Bale, Fellaini, (NOBLE)
Rvp, LAMBERT, Benteke
Bank 0.2mOpen ControlsHmm. I would go with Luiz > Azpil, as Terry is out and Benitez seems to LOVE Azpil. Then you can always get rid long-term
Open ControlsMight be the way to go I guess. Luiz being slightly more nailed on (not many other alternatives in DCM), playing OOP, on some freekicks, and even on pens if Lampard's not on the pitch is very tempting though.
http://www.chelseafc.com/matchday-live/match/68554#matchReportOpen ControlsFair enough, anywhere else you're willing to downgrade? If not still looks a solid DGW side. Im strongly considering Baines too
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Maybe Fellaini -> Michu, and then Ramirez/Punch -> Fellaini after DGW
Open Controlsand then bench Walcott this gameweek?
Open ControlsCuellar is apparently injured, otherwise it's almost the same as mine. I am tempted to downgrade Luiz -> Azp. The extra 1m would come in very handy - just think Luiz is more assured of starting both, and if Lamps is out I think he might have pens, as well as playing OOP and having some freekicks...
Open ControlsI think PK takers go: Lamps, Haz, Luiz. So i assume Haz would take them if Lampard's not playing.
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Are the majority WCing these GW? Seems very tempting to pack team with Che/Sot/Ars/Whu for the upcoming weeks, could pay off with monster scores.
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can we get a decent discussion going re: chelsea defensive assets for dgw?
as i see it theres 4 viable options - turnbull, azpi, ivan and luiz.
luiz is oop and has some freekicks, but is expensive. possinly penalties also depending on who else is on the field.
ivan is more expensive but arguably a greater goal threat and prob the most nailed on in the chelsea backline.
azpi is cheaper than the other two and from what ive seen gets into half decent positions to whip crosses in. debatable in terms of gametime though.
turnbull can be had for chump change, but is very short-term and most ppl will prob have to shift a gk who theyve made money on to bring him in (and he may be difficult to move out in the future)
thoughts?Open Controlsnah for .1 more luiz is a far better option, if money is no object ivan and luiz are both better, and hes hardly a budget pick. so i think hes a pointless consideration.
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Hows my wc team looking
Jask, Turnbull
Azpi, Baines, Naughton, Gibbs, Demel
Bale, Noble, Punch, Walcott, Mata
Rvp, Lamb, Suarez
Any thoughts on the sameOpen Controls
Thanks for everyone's help this far, top10k for the first time:)
Begovic Mannone
Rafael cueller demel Davies Hughes
Fellaini michu bale Walcott sterling
Rvp Suarez berbs
I am saving my WC till gw24 so here are my options:
A: Rafael >> Luis
B: Mannone + bale >> turnbull + mata (-4)
C: Rafael + sterling + Suarez >> Luis + hazard + lambert (-8)
Leaning towards C, but it allows me to keep bale....and I will bring Suarez in when I WC. Just worried abt taking a 8point hit, never done it beforeOpen ControlsGet mata, but id want to keep bale.
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Looking at ways to avoid a big red arrow this gw:
Begovic/Mccarthy
Vertonghen/Jones/Demel/Davies/Nelsen
Walcott/Michu/Mata/Puncheon/Bale
Suarez/RVP/Berbatov
I'm thinking of doing
(A) Vertonghen ---> Cashley
(B)I can't afford to do Mccarthy to Turnbull (0.1 million short), but I could if I also did Berbatov to Lambert. (for a hit)
Me thinks - A right?Open Controls
Evening gents. God it's so nice to be on during the DZ. I give up during the day, and will just read from here on (even that's hard enough). Lovely to see the same Gravs and names this time of day/night.
Right, the jovial bollocks out the way..........................
Turnbull
Mariappa Luiz Sagna (nelson, demel)
Mata Walcott Fellaini Bale
Fletcher RVP Berbatov
Couple of differentials in there.
Berbs and Fletcher have remarkable opportunities in the net few weeks to score big. With the odd poor one, they both have splendid fixtures. I don't care about having my own team coverage hahaha sorry.....Tevez and Silva aren't essential enough yet, and Dzeko, meh!
Can't quite afford Gibbs over Sagna. Demel for DGW (Mariappa home this weekend vs poor away West brom...usually).
Love that midfield.
Thoughts fellas?Open Controlsall good except i'd rather get ba or lambert than fletcher. i'd probably rather even get benteke
also you're missing a 5th midOpen ControlsHave you seen Fletchers fixtures? Im not sold on Benteke at all. Imagine the old Arsenal with Tony Adams and Keown and Bould playing the offside trap against him. Linesman would need surgery after all that work!
Puncheon 5th mid (but not sure how to play him DGW) 🙁Open Controlsbench walcott this week! has a tough game against city. or bench fletcher
Open ControlsBench Fletcher , at home, to West Ham? Have you seen his next 4 fixtures?
I know they're crap, but am I missing something here?
Fletcher is only 6pts away from 100 for the season and is in 7th, with only Lambert ahead of him. No love at all for Fletcher at the moment.Open Controlswest ham can be pretty tight at the back. and sunderland aren't exactly scoring goals for fun....
you're missing that they're crap and aren't scoring a ton
also a lot of fletcher's points came from when he first signed on 13, 9, 9, 8, were his first 4 games then the points dried up. since then he's only scored or assisted in 5 gamesOpen Controls
I agree with the DZ.....i usually lurk during the day (and i have a job) . Rather post at night.
is that your WC? not sure about turnbull....only 3 weeks to go until chech is back apparently.
I think Tevez is close to essential....if there werent DGW's he would be in my squad now.Open ControlsYea thats my wildcard. I had Nastasic Gibbs and Azpi in my first draft, but that meant sacrificing a lot. I just think Berba and Fletch could be a great duo for the next 3-4 weeks, then a reshuffle again.
Turnbull has a double game week, then another home match v Arsenal, then after that its' Begovic every week anyway 🙂Open Controls
On my WC and currently only looking at 5/4 DGWers in the respective 2 weeks.
Not seeing a way to get WHU attackers without being silly about it, and for the long run I'd prefer not to double up on them.Open Controlsa defensive double up, that is
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Hey Deadzone!
Do you think that Michu''s returns are a set for a decline? I know that is an unpopular view but his form has not been the greatest during the past few matches. Is it a "blip" or the start of a trend?Open ControlsIm not sure, but as seen in my team above, I may opt for Fellaini over him.
Back from suspension + hungry + wants to redeem himself + great fixtures..Open ControlsHe did hit the woodwork twice against Villa
Had a couple of centimetres gone his way you'd be worried about benching him this week, let alone getting ridOpen Controls
Yep. I only got him in as a defensive move because everyone else had him. I'll give him a few weeks an maybe go to Mata when I wildcard
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How many DGW players are you planning to have and with how many hits?
Chelsea : 3
Soton : 2
Arsenal : 3
WHU : 2
For -4 for me.Open Controls3, 2, 3, 1
No hits (WC this week)Open ControlsNo WC then Aatish? For me:
Chelsea: 3
Soton: 2
Arsenal: 1/2
WHU: 2
Which Ars players? I opted not to get a defender as I think they'll concede both games.Open Controls
Finished with WC?
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same...i think.....WC this week......my problem is that i had no CHE or SOT to start so forced into WC. will spend 4pts on back end of DGW
Open ControlsChe: 3
Soton: 2
Arsenal: 2/3
WHU: 1 at mostOpen Controls2
1
2
1/2
Maybe a -4Open Controls
what are everyone's thoughts on victor anichebe...? is there any chance of a starting role or will it be sub cameo's? is he worth getting as a differential alongside rvp and suarez or get someone with guaranteed game time?
Open ControlsI've come to the conclusion he is better than Jelavic but he won't start regularly.
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He will be a great prospect when Fellaini is sold
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Ba is a possible PK taker at Chelsea now. Was first choice at Newcastle?
Open ControlsNah, Lampard will take it if he is on the pitch or Luiz/Hazard/Torres.
Open Controlsna....his penos are poor by comparision to LAmp/Haz/Luiz
Open ControlsLuiz is actually a pretty odd penalty taker...I don't like his style at all.
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Aatish care to share your DGW plans/ provisional squad? Just want some insight, etc.
Open ControlsPlaying the market atm. Hoping I could make 0.2-0.3m as my selling value is shite(101.9)
Atm I have
Rudd
Baines Shaw Azpil Harte Demel
Mata Wal Snod Punch Michu
RVP Suarez Berb
After completing it my midf will look like Mata Wal Fellaini Michu Puncheon and strikers will be Rvp Suarez Berb/Ruiz.Open ControlsMichu over Bale?
Open ControlsWhich players you waiting on for price rises?
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Not sure where the posts went, so again
I think Cuellar is injured, not 100% sure but might want to check. Seeing him in loads of RMTsOpen Controlshey guys if you have any wc ideas you want to share with other people (either to help them or for discussion) or want wc help, feel free to post them here: https://uefacouncil.wordpress.com/2013/01/05/winter-wildcard-discussion/
less comments so will ensure that people see what you say even a couple days afterOpen ControlsJins should post it there, or you should with his permission!
http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2013/01/05/the-numbers-game-festive-form-defenders/#comment-4813877Open Controls
Would you trade Michu to Mata and lose £.3. Or transfer Fellaini out and lose his probable price rises over 4 weeks?
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12 poitn hit to do Foster, Walcott and Defoe -> Turnbull, Bale and Ba
Open Controlshey guys....cant remember why rafael missed 4 gws....benched or injured?
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Is anyone else going into the DGW without Mata?
If I want to bring him in, I have to get rid of Michu and take a point hit(s)..Open Controlsno....just talked myself in to the fact that he is absolutely "essential" for sure (C)
Open Controls+1. One of the few weeks CF will NOT (C) RVP 😉
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Tough one. I'm in the same boat, though will be taking out Michu on my WC this week it seems. (See post above).
For a hit.... close call. Bale could potentially get another Hattie this GW.Open Controls
Ian Harte.....bargin at 3.8....do you reckon he is nailed on?
Open ControlsNot while Shorey is alive
Open ControlsR Martin.... 4.1.... 3 goals in last 2....just back from injury. Nailed on.
Open Controlsi'm not sure.. shorey seems to be fit now but he was on bench last night.. however it's becoming clear now that harte is 1st choice LB..
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WC team:
Begovic - Rudd
Ivanovic - Rafael - Sagna - Cameron - Demel
Fellaini - Michu - Mata - Schneiderlin - Walcott
Ba - RVP - Benteke
I'm a United fans So i'm stick with RVP and Rafa.
Any thing need to be changed? This is my last WC so im trying to get Very long term team with prepare for 3 or 4 GWsOpen Controls
11 years, 3 months agoIva or Cole or Azpi or Cahill for Chelsea defenders? reason (don't worry about price)